RPG Resource: Click here for home page
 
 
Main Menu
 What's New
 Reviews
 Genre Resources
 Master System List
 Complete Product List
 Shared Campaigns
 Community Content
 General Resources
 Game Companies
 Journals
 Inspirations
 Board & other games
 Copyright Statement

Search



Babylon 5 RPG 1e: The Centauri Republic Fact Book

The Centauri Republic Fact Book

A fascinating insight into a vast and fairly ancient star-spanning empire, this work is of particular use if you have Centauri player characters (or indeed NPCs) in your game, or if some of the action will take place there. It also expands on existing knowledge about the Empire, of interest even if it's the TV show rather than the role-playing game that has caught your attention. Vast it may be, but in times past it was vaster still and unrivalled in its reach and power. Then the Narn rebelled... Now a fading race dreams of past glories, and of a future to come when they reclaim their leading role in the galaxy.

First, though, we dive straight into Centauri biology. They may look like humans when clothed but their biology and physiology are vastly different. Apparently one major difference is the arrangement of sexual organs, and this has given rise to many different behaviours. A more obvious difference between Centauri and other humanoid species is the hair. Males have a luxuriant crest of hair which has led to a diversity of hair styles, whilst females are bald. There are other differences between genders as well as similarities which differentiate them from other species. This section is written in a delightful quasi-academic style perportedly by a Centauri biological researcher, and explains many common behaviours as a product of Centauri biology. Whilst their constitutions are strong, there are still some ailments that can bring them low. This section ends with a selection of 'sub-types' or racial variants.

Next, the discussion moves on to psychology and sociology. Again there is at least a superficial similarity to humans. Both species pay attention to things like appearances and etiquette, ambition and gaining personal power. However a Centauri who achieves wealth and status is seen as a typical successful member of their species, while a human is seen as an unusual one, manipulative and greedy. Centauri society is very stratified and class-ridden. It's family-centred, but an interesting feature is the formality observed in even the most private social gatherings. Clothes, speech, actions... even doing nothing at all... are all covered by expectations based on the individual's status and role, and not to behave appropriately is dishonourable in the extreme. These traditions and patterns of behaviour are explained at length, sufficient for someone playing a Centauri character to understand how they have been raised and are accustomed to act in virtually any social situation. An interesting thing is that, despite the stratified society with nobles and commoners, every Centauri regard themselves as being of noble birth, at least as far as the rest of the galaxy are concerned. Beginning with the announcement of a forthcoming birth, we trace the route through birth, childhood and education to the emergence of a fully-fledged adult; and then through adult life to old age and death. Language, the arts, entertainment, and food are also covered. As can be imagined, status is extremely important to all Centauri, and there is a complex 'game of houses' that keeps score between noble houses and even commoner ones. (Scoring is provided should you wish to make this a part of your game.) We end with the roles available in the Royal Court, and a listing of prominent noble houses.

This moves quite naturally on to Centauri Organisations, of which there are many, but here the concentration is upon just three: the military, the 'Old Guard' of traditionalists, and those influence or allied with the Shadows, who have infiltrated every level of society. Of course, the commercial sector is also full of organisations which wield greater or lesser power as well, from manufacturers to the corporations that run colonies... and then there are the social clubs, most of which appear to concentrate solely on the activity upon which they are formed with little interest in politics - yet they can, through their membership, exert considerable influence. For the military, organisation and rank structure is explained in detail; and there is much discussion about how both they and other grouping wield their influence on the Republic. This chapter ends with notes as to how to incorporate these power blocs into your game - groups which enjoy intrigue and politicking will have a field day with the Centauri, but it should be handled with caution despite being such a rich source of plot material.

To provide a backdrop, the next chapter discusses the sweep of Centauri history and civilisation from the early days of burgeoning life on their homeworld right up to the present day. The evolution of faith in the Great Maker is discussed; an event that came relatively late in the evolution of life on Centauri Prime... chiefly notable for the sudden and unexpected discovery of a second sentient species dwelling on another continent, encountered only once the Centauri became technologically advanced enough to explore their entire planet. A thousand years or more later, they ventured forth to the stars and found that they were not alone in the galaxy either. Forged in conflict and conquest, a vast empire arose - the one seen today is but a pale shadow of what once existed. The 'conquest too far' was that of the Narn. The history is followed by a gazetteer of Centauri space and Centauri Prime itself.

Next up is a survey of Centauri technology. Ships, personal equipment, weapons and more; along with extensive notes on Centauri attitudes to poison and a dizzying array of vile substances! There are plenty more pleasant gooda and services described here, of course, from fine dining and luxurious accommodation to recording crystals and medical devices. Vehicles for land, sea, air, and space, both civilian and military, are also covered here.

Filled now with information about Centauri life and what it means to be a member of this species, we turn our attention to playing Centauri characters. They are particularly suited to those who enjoy intrigue, social interaction, and pure role-playing than those who live for combat - although Centauri can make a good account of themselves in a brawl when they need to do so. It is worth understanding the Centauri mind thoroughly, so that the player can cause their character to react as a Centauri would to whatever the game throws at them. If 'role-playing' is important to your style of game, this may be a given; but to reach the pure essence of playing a Centauri it becomes necessary. Further information on Centauri pysche and attitudes is given here, to add to what has gone before, to enable the would-be Cenaturi player to dig deep and understand just what they are becoming for the purposes of this game. Moving on, relevant game mechanics are discussed, include species-specific skills, skill-uses, and feats. Several Centauri prestige classes are also presented here.

Appetite whetted, we move on to discuss Centauri campaigns. This can cover anything from a single Centauri adventuring with other species, to Centauri plotlines, right through to a campaign based in the Republic and delving deep into Centauri affairs. Plenty of ideas here, along with some strategies and tactics to make them work at your table. Finally, there's an array of Centauri NPCs to use in any game as appropriate. These comprise both generic characters defined by role and some of the leading Centauri characters from the show: Londo Mollari, Vir Cotto, Lord Refa, and Lady Morella.

There's a massive amount here, much pushing beyond the commonly-accepted limitations of a role-playing game; yet things that will greatly enhance a game, adding depth and subtlety. To understand the Centauri - whether as viewer of the TV show or player of the game - read this book!

Return to The Centauri Republic Fact Book page.

Reviewed: 21 December 2019